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Merry Hill is a happy and successful, 230 place Infant and Nursery School in a beautiful part of Bushey, just three miles from the centre of Watford
A Potted History of Merry Hill*
Merry Hill is a school which is steeped in history. Its origins can be traced right back to the founding of the Bushey National Schools, as long ago as 1827.
The current Merry Hill buildings are a mix of old and new. The main
building dates from 1885. In 1908 a fire destroyed an extensive part of
this building and it was rebuilt and extended in 1909. A new hall was
added in 1939. The old part of the school is a building of great warmth
and character, which has been extensively modernised over the years. The second building dates from the 70s and houses the Reception classrooms, dining room and administrative offices and Nursery unit.
Merry Hill School has retained its friendly village school atmosphere. It is pleasantly situated in a four acre site and includes a playground and two low level adventure play areas, a large field, a wildlife area and a pond area.
How Merry Hill is organised
Merry Hill is a Community two form entry Infant School with a 52 place Nursery class.
Children are admitted into Nursery in the September following their 3rd birthday.
Children are admitted into Reception in the September following their 4th birthday.
We are well regarded in the local community and are usually oversubscribed.
At the end of Year 2 the children transfer to Ashfield Junior School, also in School Lane. We maintain close liaison with Ashfield School to ensure continuity of education for our children.
We have experienced and caring staff who adopt a child-centred approach to teaching, fostering the independence of the children and teaching according to their individual needs. The needs of children with special educational needs are supported by our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator/Inclusion Manager. There is a trained and experienced Teaching Assistant in every class, full time in Reception and 19 hours per week in Year 1 and Year 2. The school is very well equipped with a newly refurbished library and an ICT suite with 17 computers, plus three computers and an interactive whiteboard in every classroom.
Ofsted
In our Ofsted Report (May 2006), the inspectors judged Merry Hill to be a good school with many outstanding features. The Inspectors were particularly impressed by the common sense of purpose amongst all of the staff and commented upon our exceptionally welcoming, well kept environment.
Parent Teacher Association
Merry Hill School has an active parent teacher association which raises funds for special projects. Parents are also encouraged to come into school to work with the children. We operate an ‘open door’ policy for children, parents, staff and governors.
Merry Hill - Investor in People
Investor in People is a nationally recognised standard which promotes quality staff organisation and development. The standards fundamental purpose is stated as:
In 1996 Merry Hill was the first primary school in Hertfordshire to be awarded the prestigious Investor in People Award. We were successfully re-assessed in 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2008 when the Assessors’ Report praised the school highly.
We are proud to be an Investor in People school.
Merry Hill - School Achievement Awards
School Achievement Awards were developed by the DFES to recognise and celebrate good practice. Merry Hill has twice been awarded a School Achievement since 2001.
If you would like to find out more about our school please arrange an appointment to come in and talk to us. My staff and I look forward to meeting you and your children.
Pauline Hannibal Headteacher
*Further information about the history of Merry Hill School from 1827-1972 can be found in a booklet written by Joan Hands and Sandy Woodley (both retired teachers of the school), available, priced £5, from the school office. |